Monday, September 25, 2006

This weekend I, as I'm sure a lot of you had the opportunity to watch Women's Conference. Unlike many of you I have a very contrary nature when it comes to things spiritual. The thing is, I adore General Conference in all of it's varieties. I LOVE Women's Conference, and yet whenever it rolls around there always seems to be an internal struggle between something that's "come up" and Women's Conference specifically (I don't seem to have the same internal struggles about General Conference proper).

I'm so grateful that I listened to the words of our General Relief Society Presidency and our wonderful Prophet, President Gordon B. Hinckly. I honestly felt the spirit so strong as they talked about the importance of finding ways that each of us personally can feel the love of our Heavenly Father and his son, our Savior Jesus Christ daily. I felt the spirit confirm to me that they do indeed love me and a renewed commitment to feeling and seeking out that love daily.

I'm so glad that I choose to spend my Saturday night in that way and am truly grateful for the ability to be forgiven for my contrary nature. Now I'm just so excited for this weekend and the rest of the General Conference sessions. This truly is one of my favorite times of the year!

Wednesday, September 20, 2006

This is probably my favorite part. There is a beach Ray took me to. From the beach up on the cliffs you can see this domed building. I asked him what it was and he told me it was called Mussenden Temple.The Bishop of Down Hill house built this temple for his mistress (who was also his cousin) it was a library. Can you imagine how divine this would be as your library? I can completely imagine myself here. The view was breathtaking. Here is a shot from this cliff down to the beach below.

And here is a picture of me in front of the temple fantasizing about having just such a library for my very own one day!

The following day we just took it easy and lazed about. Tuesday we drove out the this Irish ring fort. I don't know how to spell the name of it but it is prounounced green a gollya (maybe Dr. Ray can leave a comment and tell us all how it's really spelt).It's a dwelling that was built 5000 years ago by an Irish king. and the view from the countryside there was incredible.

Here is a picture of Ray and I at the ring fort.Also a picture of some of the Heather that was growing up on the hill. Who knew that the Heather plant could be so pretty?Wednesday we went into Londonderry and walked along the walls of the city. Londonderry is the site of a famous siege and the city itself has a very rich history. From the wall I took this picture of an area in Londonderry known as the “bog” it was here that the incident known as Bloody Sunday occurred.

Wednesday we went shopping with Ray's mom which was a delight and then Thursday we went out to a national park known as Glen Veigh. Margaret (Ray's mom) was supposed to go with us but unfortunately that day she was feeling poorly and actually ended up in the hospital. She wanted us to go regardless and so we did. Immediately after we went and spent some time with her at the hospital where she has been for almost a week.

Here are some pictures of the grounds at Glen Veigh it was truly gorgeous.This is a picture of the castle from the walled garden.

I'm back! I had a most wonderful time being with Ray and his family and visiting the beautiful Irish countryside. I arrived on Sunday at 8:30 in the morning. To try and keep the jet lag away Ray drove me to his parents house to shower and then we collected his parents and visited the Giants Causeway.

Here is a picture of Dr. Ray, myself and Margaret. I had the most fun visiting with them and they were the hosts with the most :)

Here is another picture at the cause way taken by Dr. Ray of Ray and I. From there we drove down the coast to a place called Ballintoy which was a beautiful little place.

Wednesday, September 06, 2006

I spent all of this last Labor Day laboring to get ready to go on this trip. After trips to the Mall, Old Navy and Walmart, I finally have enough outfits and supplies to get me through.

I also purchase this little beauty yesterday at Target (Where incidentally I had my first random Chad siting. Which was most exciting!). I'm hoping that this will allow me to at least get some sleep whilst winging my way to the Emerald Isle.

Now I have only to wait until Saturday when I will head out at the crack of dawn for my delightful 17 hour door to door excursion. Hopefully I can convince HB to take me to the airport at 6 in the morning.